Tuscarawas County Eagerly Anticipating Oil Benefits

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Chesapeake Energy rig in Carroll County
A recent article by Jon Baker in the Times Reporter from New Philadelphia/Dover outlined some of the exciting predictions officials have made regarding the impact of the oil and gas exploration in Tuscarawas County in the coming years.
Some of the anticipated benefits include:
  • An unemployment rate of 5 percent or lower by the end of 2012
  • 5,000 to 10,000 new Tuscarawas County residents
  • New pockets of significant wealth

Schulmberger Limited is one oil field service company already planning to open a plant in Strasburg, which is expected to create about 250 jobs.  "When you can land a large company like that, other companies find you more easily," said Harry Eadon, executive director of the Tuscarawas County Port Authority. 

As already seen in Carroll County, the impact will be felt on the housing market and the hotel industry. 
The Days Inn at Carrollton was at or near full capacity throughout 2011 with workers brought to the area by Chesapeake Energy's drilling activity.  Few homes are for sale, and rental pricing has shot up.
Carroll County has also experienced an increase in business at restaurants and gas stations, leading to more job creation in those industries.

Jeff Mathias of Pissocra-Mathias Realty in New Philadelphia predicts a hike of 1 to 2 percent in Tuscarawas County home prices this year.  In addition, he feels that vacancy rates for apartments will drop to 2 or 3 percent because 80 percent of workers will want to rent.

Dee Grossman, executive director of the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau stated that workers have already contributed $2.3 million to the county economy through spending on lodging, food, entertainment and taxes.
The challenge for local officials will be to organize and plan for the increased traffic and number of students enrolled in local schools, as well as the effects on the local infrastructure.  Eadon feels the time to discuss these issues is now.  "We need community and educational leaders discussing these issues frankly and openly with leaders of the oil and gas industry. We need to start it now. Two years from now will be too late."

Carroll County has already experienced community benefits from the presence of these companies, including Chesapeake Energy donating $50,000 to the Carroll County YMCA and Rex Energy and S.U.R.E. donating $10,000 to the junior fair board. 

The surge in positive attitude of county residents may be the biggest benefit, though.  The increase in jobs has led to an increase in morale.  Select Energy Services has added to the excitement with a mid-January announcement of plans to hire 200 workers to be based in Carrollton.  Select Energy is also seeking to purchase about 30 acres in the Carrollton area to serve as a base of operations for its Utica Shale exploration.

Tuscarawas County residents hope that they will very soon start feeling these same effects.  (READ THE ENTIRE TIMES REPORTER ARTICLE BY CLICKING HERE)

Are you positive about the activity in the area?  Or perhaps you have concerns?  Sound off in the comments and let us know what's on your mind!

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